<p>Improperly discarded rags caused a garage fire in southeast New Hanover County early Wednesday morning, an official said. </p><p>Firefighters were called to the garage fire at 918 Tarpon Drive just after 3 a.m.</p><p>New Hanover County Deputy Fire Marshal Josh Smith said the family had safely evacuated and crews were able to contain the blaze to the first-floor garage of the three-story home. </p><p>Power was shut off to the property as a precaution, temporarily displacing the family, he said. </p><p>The investigation revealed the homeowner had done some work on his garage door using linseed oil, then discarded the linseed oil in a container and threw it into the trash, Smith said. </p><p>"Linseed oil will spontaneously combust if it doesn't have good ventilation," he explained.</p><p>F.T. Norton: 343-2070</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @FTNorton</p>